Forest Hills students ‘warm the soles’ of those in need

Thanks to Forest Hills High School, more than 1,000 people will be a little warmer this winter.

In a project called “Warming the Soles,” students collected new socks, donating them to four local agencies: the Union County Christmas Bureau, Turning Point, the Union County Group Home for Children and the Union County Community Shelter.

Forest Hills art teacher Alicia Swackhamer, who coordinated the effort, said the idea was to teach students that even in hard economic times, you could still give back to the community.

“Socks are inexpensive, so we did a school-wide sock drive,” Swackhamer said. “We tried to collect 1,000 pairs of socks. Our student body rose to the challenge and collected 1,355 pairs of socks.”

Gloria Haney of the Union County Christmas Bureau said the socks will come in handy as the bureau helps more than 2,100 local families this holiday season.

“These socks are to help children who may not get a lot for Christmas,” Haney said. “These new socks will keep their feet warm. Many of our families haven’t gotten new socks in years.”

Jeannie Langston of Turning Point said the donation means a great deal to the individuals who use her agency.

“This will mean so much to our women and children who often come in without any clothing,” Langston said. “Having warm socks and coats is just imperative to them. We thank Forest Hills students and faculty for all that they have done.”

The sock collection began in early October and continued until Dec. 1. They were donated to representatives of these agencies in a presentation at the school Wednesday.